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Hiring an Interior Designer
By M. Vessel | JAN.22.08
Outsourcing Style: Why and How you should hire an Interior Designer.
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Picture this. You're overseeing a massive remodeling project, and mid-way through, you hit a wall - suddenly, you feel like you might have a nervous breakdown if you have to look at even one more paint chip. Or perhaps you've just purchased your first home and the mere thought of filling all that empty space with stylish, functional furniture, art, and accessories plunges you into panic. Or maybe you've just always seen yourself as one of those taste-challenged types who couldn't care less about things like focal points and accent colors.
Why Hiring an Interior Designer Makes Sense
If any of these scenarios sound at all familiar, it might be time to think about bringing in an expert to help guide you through the decorating process. Even if you've never before considered the possibility, it's very likely that your home improvement project could benefit from the help of a professional. Here's just a few of the advantages of working with a trained and credentialed interior designer.
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It's easy to get bogged down in the minutia of your decorating project. Many people who try to go it alone wind up getting mired in the little details, making the rate of progress on the project very slow. In sharp contrast, the right designer can come in, make an instant assessment of the situation, and begin making decisions in seconds that you've been obsessing over for months, pulling you out of your paralysis and lending much-needed momentum to your project.
Access to exclusive "to-the-trade" prices, products, and resources.
Laypeople are often unaware of the fact that designers have access to a vast world of discounts, special product lines, fabrics, and other resources that just aren't available for retail sale to the public. With a designer on your team, you can be sure that you have the widest range of products - and prices - to chose from.
Money-saving know-how that can be adapted to a wide range of budgets.
It's long been assumed that the services of interior designers were a luxury reserved for the very rich. But in reality, interior designers can be indispensable when you're working on a tight budget, as well. Their knack for big-picture thinking and their existing relationships with contractors and suppliers at every point on the price spectrum can help you stick to your budget -- and avoid potentially costly mistakes.
Big-picture and detail-oriented expertise.
You can probably count the spaces you've decorated on one hand. A seasoned designer has likely seen dozens, if not hundreds, of projects to their successful completion. Drawing on that depth of experience, your designer will be able to size up your situation quickly and suggest a number of workable solutions.
The assurance of a job well done.
DIY decorating can be fun, and with luck, the results of your foray into self-directed design may turn out to be charming. But let's face it - no one is better equipped to handle your decorating project than trained, licensed, and experienced professional. With an interior designer on your team, you can rest assured that your project's outcome will be tasteful, elegant, and well-executed.
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Did You Know?
Although the international interior design industry has grown exponentially in the last few years, average fees for residential design projects have actually fallen considerably. Industry insiders say this trend points to the democratization of design and a greater appreciation for aesthetically pleasing spaces in every demographic bracket. |
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| "A seasoned designer has likely seen dozens, if not hundreds, of projects to their successful completion. Drawing on that depth of experience, your designer will be able to size up your situation quickly and suggest a number of workable solutions." |
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Selecting the Right Designer
If you're convinced that having a pair of fresh eyes on your side is just what you need, it's time to get on the phone and start interviewing candidates in your area. But even if you're eager to get the ball rolling right away, don't just choose the first name you stumble across in the telephone directory.
In order to make sure that your project's outcome is everything you hope it will be, it's vital to pick an experienced designer who shares your vision - and with whom you can develop a strong and effective working partnership. Refer to these important criteria as you begin to plan and carry out the selection process.
Training, credentials, and licensure.
The definitions and legal requirements governing the practice of interior design vary considerably between different cities, states, and countries. Before you begin the selection process, find out which licensure guidelines apply in your jurisdiction, and ensure that all of the candidates on your short list meet these requirements.
Vision and stylistic preferences.
Does the designer prefer a particular design style or have historical period in which they specialize? How does this mesh with your vision for the project? Are they open to working in the style you prefer?
Approach, processes, and workflow.
How does the designer approach each project? What are the steps they typically break a project down into? Are they flexible with regards to scheduling and timelines?
Fees, billing system, and payment.
Most industry experts agree that a fixed-fee price structure offers the best value for design clients. Have each candidate provide an in-depth explanation of their billing procedures. Ask questions until you are sure you understand every aspect of their policies.
Portfolio, references, and past clients.
Ask to see a portfolio to get a better feel for each candidate's range of experience and capabilities. Also, design professionals should furnish a list of satisfied clients with whom you can speak. If a candidate balks at your request for references, it's probably best to scratch them off your list.
Rapport, personal compatibility, and communication.
Although it's vital to vet your designer's credentials and references, it's also important to ensure that you like them on a personal level. Make sure the candidate you select seems like someone you would feel comfortable collaborating with. After all, your ability to communicate frankly, honestly, and effectively with your designer will play a major role in determining the success of your project.
Don't be intimidated by the prospect of working with an interior designer. As long as you develop a plan in advance and advocate for your own vision throughout the process, finding a professional who can help bring your style to life should be a relatively painless undertaking. By relying on both research and your gut instinct, you'll be able to select a designer that suits your needs perfectly.
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| | By M. Vessel | FOKaL Writer |
| [ JAN.22.08 ] |
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